July 19, 2023
OSHA Expands Injury and Illness Submission Requirements for Employers in High-hazard Industries
On July 17, 2023, OSHA announced a final rule that will require certain employers in designated high-hazard industries to electronically submit additional injury and illness information than what is currently required but employers are already required to keep. The final rule will become effective on Jan. 1, 2024. Injury and Illness Submission Expansion Overview OSHA’s...
July 17, 2023
OSHA Launches New National Emphasis Program for Warehouse and Distribution Center Hazards
On July 13, 2023, OSHA launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to prevent workplace hazards in warehousing and distribution center operations, mail/postal processing and distribution centers, parcel delivery/courier services and certain high-injury-rate retail establishments. The NEP is expected to expire in July 2026. NEP Overview Under this three-year NEP, OSHA will conduct comprehensive safety inspections...
July 13, 2023
Health Care Costs Projected to Grow 7% in 2024
Health care costs are expected to grow 7% in 2024 due to rising pharmaceutical expenses driven by specialty drugs and insurers increasing rates in response to inflation, according to an annual report from professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This trend is higher than 2022’s and 2023’s projected medical cost rates, which were 5.5% and 6%,...
July 12, 2023
Tackling the Talent Crunch: 3 Benefits That Improve Retention
The abundance of job openings, combined with a scarcity of available workers, has created a serious talent crunch that continues to raise the bar on retention. It also has sparked lively discussions between employers and their advisers about pursuing innovative strategies to win the talent war. The U.S. is in the midst of a historically tight...
July 10, 2023
2023 Workers’ Compensation Insurance Midyear Market Outlook
Data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) shows that the workers’ compensation insurance market has performed as an outlier in the casualty space by producing positive underwriting results for nearly a decade, with the combined ratio remaining under 100 every year since 2014. This past year was no different; the combined ratio for...
July 7, 2023
2023 Commercial Property Insurance Midyear Market Outlook
The last several years have seen the commercial property insurance market progressively harden, evidenced by ongoing rate increases over the past 22 consecutive quarters. Such rate hikes showed some signs of stagnation throughout 2022 by largely remaining within single digits, according to insurance experts. However, this moderation didn’t last in 2023, as rates surged by...
July 6, 2023
Understanding the Experience Modification Factor
Workers’ compensation insurance is a crucial component of protecting employees in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses. It provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and other necessary resources to injured workers while also safeguarding employers from costly lawsuits. One important aspect that plays a significant role in determining the cost of workers’ compensation insurance is...
June 27, 2023
Why Predicting the Future of Cyber Insurance is So Difficult
Cyber insurance is here to stay, but the rapid pace of development of technology and other external factors mean that accurately predicting what the market and products will look like in 10 years’ time could be anyone’s guess. This was the message from Shannan Fort (pictured), McGill & Partners partner – financial lines, cyber, who...
June 26, 2023
Tips for Safe Operation of Corded Power Tools
Corded power tools are useful for several types sizes of projects. They also can be more accurate and efficient than hand tools. However, corded power tools can also present serious safety hazards when not used correctly. Below are tips to help keep you safe while working with them. Types of Corded Power Tools Corded power...
June 22, 2023
Those New Office Building Amenities Come With Legal Risks
For the past 12 to 18 months, office building owners have been energetically implementing new tactics to attract tenants back to their buildings as the pandemic becomes less impactful. One growing trend among owners is hiring outside vendors to provide added-value building amenities for tenants, such as conference room services, fitness centers with nutritionists, and...